As the start of the season draws closer we celebrate the greatest headed goals in Premier League history, from Bruce to Drogba

THUMPING,
diving, glancing ... how do you like your headers? We’ve tried to include
something for everyone in this top 10. Some of them are not, in isolation,
vintage goals. Yet they came at crucial moments in a club’s history — most
obviously, Steve Bruce’s efforts, as told on these pages, played a decisive
role as Manchester United ended their title drought after 26 seasons.

We have stuck to Premier League goals only. Sadly, that means there is no room
for some of the greatest exponents of the art: Jeff Astle, Andy Gray, Steve
Bull, Peter Withe and Frank Stapleton, we salute you all.

They scored their goals in an era when a shoulder barge or an elbow shove on
the opposition defender or goalkeeper was largely permitted. These days,
it’s often the other way round — far too many corners or free kicks become
the cue for attacking players being pushed or